Helen and Ian were looking for a St Pancras Renaissance wedding photographer for their Marry Me in Kensington and Chelsea elopement in February and I am thrilled that they found me. Their plan was to come down by train from their home in Nottingham in the morning, have a drink at the St Pancras Champagne Bar by Searcys, before changing and heading off to their ceremony at Chelsea Old Town Hall.
Walter and Ron – the two Chelsea Pensioners (and witnesses) – arrived looking wonderful in scarlet. We had a quick chat and then waited for Helen and Ian. Tanja and Martin – the Chelsea Registrars – popped up to say ‘hello’. The five of us were starting to worry. Thank goodness it was simply London traffic. Helen and Ian arrived looking stunning (and mightily relieved). The ceremony was held in the smaller Rossetti Room and I was fascinated to see that the wedding rings were made of silicone. I later found out that Ian was a premiership footballer and a goalkeeper. His wedding finger suffered a pretty brutal injury in a game against Chelsea. A metal ring was out of the question.
The two exited Chelsea Old Town Hall with Walter and Ron throwing confetti. Their reactions were priceless. They said their goodbyes and we headed back to St Pancras for photos. The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel London is stunning. I had visited the previous weekend and everywhere I looked guests were having a ball. The numerous bars and restaurants were all bustling and jolly. Nothing is too much trouble and it was fun to take a few photos on the grand staircase. A couple of guests walked past and, caught up in the wedding vibe, decided to play Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” on the grand piano. Brilliant!
A couple of photos under the amazing wrought iron and glass ceiling of the grand terrace and then champagne. We had lost the light which worried me slightly but in the end I love the wintry feel to the photos. Pistachio and chocolate cake, champagne, blankets, an under banquette heater, heated leather seats and a button called “press for champagne”. Absolute heaven. The staff at St Pancras Champagne Bar by Searcys were wonderful. We had such a giggle taking photos in between gulps and cake.
If you are marrying at Chelsea Register Office please look at my Chelsea page here. If you are getting married at nearby Old Marylebone Town Hall please see my Westminster page here. If you are planning a St Pancras Renaissance Hotel London wedding and need just a few hours photography give me a call on 01342 811631 to discuss your plans or contact me here.
